Should I buy the cheapest 3D-printers - 3D-pen

Almost all 3D-printers require significant investments, preparation of the working surface and the mass of engineering skills. But there are options for the humanities - with zero barrier to entry and lower cost. This 3D-pen.

Pens for drawing a three-dimensional (space) blew up the Internet. And suddenly disappeared - the revolution did not happen. However, they are the easiest to use have 3D-printers.

The most significant difference of such gadgets from massive of 3D-printers is the cost. It hovers around US $ 50-100. Of course, there are significant restrictions on the use, but after all, the original purpose of such devices is quite different.

The plastic that is used for three-dimensional printing, often gives a significant shrinkage in the ready-made model. The first 3D-pen, 3Doodler, Just created as a hand-help in correcting defects models print more printers. Designed for engineers, like electronic gadgets are extremely 3Doodler particular value. But creative people have created a new art form.

The least expensive of all in the market manual three-dimensional modeling of gadgets, as always, are the Chinese clones. The most convenient, easy and practical solution for today - Myriwelland anonymous copies. The original unit can be purchased in the US for about $ 60 or 4000 rubles Just in Russia. Unmarked copy with similar functionality - just $ 40. The most affordable option.

Included is a three skeins of plastic black, blue and yellow colors. Technical characteristics of the original and copies are identical:

• Nozzle diameter - 0.3 mm.
• The thickness of the thread - 1,75 mm.
• Maximum print temperature - 230 ° C.
• Consumption - 110 V / 220 V, 12v, 3A.
• Drawing speed - 2-40 mm per second.

If we compare 3Doodler and Myriwell (and Chinese counterparts), it may be that the latter benefits at the expense of the smaller dimensions of the housing. A hand-held device is much more convenient. There is a temperature adjustment handle goes into sleep mode after five minutes of inactivity.

As shown, the device is extremely ambiguous. As a full replacement of the printer, he can not be considered. Even with a hand-packed to create something distinct is difficult. In fact, almost any such gadget represents only an extruder for heating and extruding plastic. Slow enough to do something, and extremely inaccurate. Although it may be very interesting for children, especially for the visualization principles of 3D-printing in the early grades.

Another thing, if you use the 3D-pen as intended: to patch holes in the large printed items. Gadget (Chinese production) fared well in dealing with large-scale plastic models. Alas, not to construct a self-made parts, and to replace the putty between the abutting parts. Machined part made of plastic is much easier than making a cake mix described by the handle.

Verdict technician is: if not buy 3D-pen, filled with plastic rods, the most cheapest option. About the more interesting models, printing special gel will cover in the next article.